Activision: reorganized, redefined and on the rebound
Article Abstract:
Activision, which was bankrupt in 1991, has bounced back under CEO Bobby Kotick, by exploiting the company's superb distribution network and the powerful proprietary authoring tools. The full-motion video CD-ROM Return to Zork with a Hollywood cast, sound effects and music sold more than a million copies by the end of 1994. Activision also sold 200,000 copies of Windows 95 Action Packs, which were reworked from the existing arcade library. A remake of Pitfall sold over 1 million copies. Kotick was able to fulfill his promise of 50% annual growth with profits close the the break-even point. With $40 million in investor capital, the company is trying to produce several big-budget, first-rate titles each year. Though the project has run into some snags, Mech 2 was released in Jan 1996 and sold more than 500,000 copies. Another project is the $3 million production of Spycraft, which integrates new technology, production techniques and game play.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1996
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Sierra 3D lights the way
Article Abstract:
Sierra's merger with CUC in 1996 has exploited the expertise of both companies, including PC entertainment and education and consumer-software that has been rated second only to Microsoft. Sierra employs over 700 people and is reported to have released more than 30 new titles during the last qtr of 1996. Sierra attributes its success to its ability to capitalize on the absence of industry standards by determining the best competitive solution, and then aggressively improving and marketing that solution. Despite Sierra's numerous acquisitions and mergers with Blizzard, Davidson, Papyrus, Knowledge Adventure, Impressions, Coktel Vision, SubLogic and Dynamix, it obtains most of its product and marketing direction from individual creativity. Sierra is abandoning the live-action game market to target game play, frame rate and interactivity.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1997
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Herman Miller takes a seat online
Article Abstract:
Herman Miller, a manufacturer of high-end office systems and ergonomically designed chairs, contracted with Genex Interactive for the creation of Web sites for its new Acrobat Suite line of computer desks. Genex's mandate was a Web site for a product that was still being developed and for which Herman Miller wanted to establish a dialogue with potential customers. Genex chose to use QuickTime (QT) 3.0 because of its VR playback module. The Acrobat Suite products were displayed in very high resolution and very quickly. QT 3.0 uses a new video compression technology from Sorensen that allows this. To establish a dialogue with customers, Genex used a listserv engine for registering users who would receive an e-mail newsletter twice a month.
Publication Name: Newmedia
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1060-7188
Year: 1998
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